Short Stories

How does conflict lead to change?

Choose at least one of the short stories below to read. Located at the bottom of the page is a supplemental activity you can use to take notes as you read.

Brille, a South African political prisoner of Span One, lives in fear of an evil prison guard. Brille comes up with a plan to humble the prison guard.

Super Human by Nicola Yoon

A superhero loses all faith in humanity; Syrita has to convince him that there is still hope for humanity after all.

The Medicine bag by Virginia driving hawk sneve

A young man is embarrassed when his Sioux grandpa comes to visit. A gift from his grandfather changes his perspective on his family and heritage.

once upon a time by nadine gordimer

A family tries to cope with South African apartheid and keep their family safe from intruders, all the while attempting to live happily ever after.

lather and nothing else by hernando tellez

A barber is tasked with shaving a captain of an opposing political group. He has to decide if he will let his razor make him a hero or a murderer.

one of these days by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Aurelio Escovar, a poor dentist, is forced to remove the tooth of the corrupt town Mayor. Escovar uses the situation to reverse the hierarchy of the two men and make the Mayor pay for past transgressions.

Short Story Structure

"Make a copy" of the following activity and use to takes notes over the short stories you read.